Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa

Bundle up and bring your umbrella! All Holiday Happenings plans are a “go”! If it’s pouring at 4:30 pm, Santa may decide to fly directly into Village Hall for the Tree Lighting, rather than riding the firetruck into town. It will be a surprise! Either way it’s going to be an amazing event, so come on out! (some activities may be moved into Village Hall).

If it’s raining, the Frozen characters at Plaza del Lago will be inside near Yellow Bird, space 26 (partially covered). If not raining, in the common area between Jewel & Convito!

Holiday Happenings is coming to Wilmette on Saturday, December 1. This special day will include treats, entertainment and sales for the entire family.

Merchants throughout Wilmette will be providing special discounts, gifts with purchase and other delights.

The Wilmette Theater will host a complimentary showing of “Home Alone” at 3 pm. Tickets will be issued to shoppers who present a receipt dated December 1st from any Wilmette shop or restaurant. Tickets are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

In addition, Plaza del Lago is hosting a Meet & Greet with the characters from the movie “Frozen” from 1:00-2:30 pm. Princesses and Snow Man will be there for hugs and photo ops galore! The shops in Plaza del Lago will also be giving out gift bags to the first 100 Plaza shoppers.

The Wilmette Optimist Club will be at Village Hall starting at 4:00 pm to collect new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Families who donate toys will be entered to win a ride to school in a fire truck!

The grand finale of this special day will be the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Green in front of Village Hall. The festivities will begin at 4:45 pm with caroling by local school choirs. Complimentary hot chocolate and candy canes will be provided while supplies last.

At 5:00 pm, Santa will ride into town on his sleigh and pay a special visit, joining Wilmette Village President Bob Bielinksi in lighting up the “big tree.” Santa will spend time after the tree-lighting to visit with kids and hear their holiday wishes.